Ask Lighthouse Dental about alternative sleep apnea treatment.

Many cases of sleep apnea can be cured with Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT) – a small, custom-made device that Lighthouse Dental can provide.

What is an oral appliance?

An oral appliance is a device worn in your mouth that improves sleep quality by opening the throat airway to reduce sleep apnea and snoring. The device is custom-molded to and held in place by your teeth. Many different types of oral appliances are available, but the most widely used are Mandibular Advancing Devices.

How does an Oral Appliance work?

An oral appliance reduces sleep apnea by gently repositioning the lower jay and tongue slightly forward. This opens the space in the back of the throat and reduces tissue obstruction, keeping the airway open during sleep.

Is Oral Appliance Therapy a medical service?

Yes. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified oral appliances as Class II medical devices, and many insurers include coverage for this therapy under their medical plans. Also, criteria developed by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) define obstructive sleep apnea as a medical condition that can be treated by dental professionals who have advanced training in dental sleep medicine. Patients are referred for this treatment by their physicians only after a sleep study establishes a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea.

What are the indications for Oral Appliance Therapy?

An oral appliance may be recommended to treat snoring, or as an option for patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, it may be an effective alternative for patients who cannot use CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) equipment.

Who provides this service?

Dr. Lu and the staff of Lighthouse Dental have specialized training in dental sleep medicine and oral appliance therapy. Talk to one of our staff and we will assist you on this journey to a healthier you!

Lighthouse Dental can help!

Ask us about Oral Appliance Therapy

– a remarkable and much-less obtrusive alternative to CPAP treatment for sleep apnea. The oral appliance is a small, custom-fit device, much like a retainer, that gently shifts the lower jaw forward slightly to open up your airway. It’s such a simple solution to help you sleep better and enjoy life again.

DON’T SUFFER. SLEEP BETTER!

If you think you or someone you love may suffer from sleep apnea, let Lighthouse Dental help.